LIFE as catalyst - how the LIFE Waste2Protein project helped build a €200 million insect bioconversion business
Published: 30 Mar 2026
Author: Precedence Research
The LIFE Programme project Waste2Protein has demonstrated how insect bioconversion can transform organic residues into valuable protein and fertiliser streams at an industrial scale. What started as an EU-funded innovation project has evolved into a circular solution with strong commercial potential. It is the first commercial ReFarmUnit installation in Germany, and further market deployment is underway.
In 2019, LIFE Waste2Protein started with a LIFE-funded insect protein bioconversion project, developing a sustainable alternative to fish and soy meal for animal feed that can significantly reduce its environmental footprint. Now it has a commercially validated circular solution integrated within the Reploid Group, with plans to scale across Europe and underpin a business valued at €200 million.
Market Growth and Circular Bioeconomy Potential
According to Towards Healthcare, the insect biotechnology market is projected to experience significant growth, with estimates suggesting the market size will increase from USD 1.21 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 3.19 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.34% from 2026 to 2035. This market unlocks the value of insect debris by transforming it into biostimulating organic fertilisers and further strengthening the circular bioeconomy.
Scaling the Business Through Strategic Collaboration
Start-up project LIFE Waste2Protein in 2023 joined with REPLOID Group (Austria) under REPLOID Deutschland to replicate the solution developed within this project. By combining their expertise and the new group with an advanced modular and highly automated insect-rearing facility has established an economically viable business model that integrates both upstream and downstream value chains.
Head of Research and Development of LIFE Waste2Protein, Moritz Gold, explained a decentralised insect farm capable of processing 10,000 tonnes of waste and residues. He even stated that our client is a farmer; along with them, we are also looking for industrial partners. Currently, we are broadening the scope of our ReFarmUnit across Europe. This technology is applicable across different European climates to address various challenges in multiple countries.
Role of C2M Support in Commercialization
The C2M team contributed to strengthening the transition from innovation to investment, helping to refine the commercial strategy of the start-up, increase visibility among industrial partners, and facilitate investor engagement. It plays an essential role in supporting the transition of promising research into a market-ready innovative product.
Scientific Leader of LIFE Waste2Protein's Jonas Finck, gives special importance to C2M support from LIFE. With advanced modular technology and decentralised insect farms, it was important to find partners and organic residues in other countries to start new markets.
A recent report by Towards Healthcare highlights that the insect biotechnology market is witnessing significant growth driven by rising demand for sustainable protein sources, waste management solutions, and eco-friendly products. Expanding applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed, along with technological advancements and supportive regulations, are further accelerating global market expansion steadily.